Erectile Dysfunction

The most common problem in men is erectile dysfunction. It is the state in which men are unable to initiate or maintain the erection required for intercourse. Around 20 percent of men suffer through this worldwide. In 2025, the population will reach 322 million as per projection. 

Medical science is constantly looking for erectile dysfunction treatments. There are new methods that are under trial and are significant in the treatment process. Gene therapy, PDF5-I, and shock therapy are some of the most popular treatment methods. Let us explore some of the best innovations in ED medications.

Use of PDE5-I

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors are proven to be a great achievement in erectile dysfunction treatment. Four PDF5-Is on the market are FDA-approved.

1. sildenafil (Viagra)
2. vardenafil (Levitra)
3.  tadalafil (Cialis)
4.  avanafil (Stendra)

They block cGMP degradation, which stops the smooth muscle relaxation of the penis. Tadalafil has the longest half-life of 17.5 hours, while Avanafil has the shortest time of 3 hours. 

Note: Please consult a medical practitioner before using any of the above.

Rho kinase inhibitors

The addition of phosphate and its removal maintain the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles in the human body. The same happened during the erection in corpora. Rho kinase regulates the process. If we introduce inhibitors of these regulators, it increases the rigidity of reception. This is a common problem in diabetics. SAR407899 has promising results as an ED medication.

Gene Therapy

With time, gene therapy has become a promising way to deal with any disorder, including ED problems. Being the most accessible organ of the body, the introduction of genetic material into the penis is easier. Because of the slow turnover rate of the tunica albuginea, it shows a prolonged effect.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is one erectile dysfunction treatment that helps in the condition’s reversal. Multipotent stem cells are thought to help damaged or diseased tissues by releasing different molecular mediators that cause the host tissue to start a repair or regenerative response to the damaged or diseased tissue that causes ED. 

More research is required. The results of this hypothesis need to be tested in phase II trials. In preliminary research, this has come as a ray of hope that it can be the least invasive and reduce the use of PDF5 inhibitors. These have side effects.

Shockwave Therapy

Enhancement in penile blood flow can reduce ED problems. Studies are going on to find a way to do so. One such method is low-intensity shock wave therapy. 

For erectile dysfunction treatment, it is thought that LIST results in mechanical stress and cell membrane microtrauma, which in turn triggers the upregulation of angiogenic factors like von Willebrand factor, NO synthase, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promote tissue vascularization and angiogenesis.

It has shown promising results in initial trials, but more research will show the best possible outcome.

Platelet-rich plasma

PRP has shown little benefit in ED medications. They might help in the healing process. Plasma helps to heal wounds and grow new vessels. It can be one of the non-invasive methods of treatment in the future.